We had a great time at Niagara Falls today. I think the last time I was there was when I was 10 or 11 and I don’t remember any of the big parks, the buildings or anything other than the crashing water. This was like a whole new place to me. I know I’m saying the word, “huge”, a lot, but everything’s bigger here. Not just the Falls, but the grounds, the volume of people, all of it. After Niagara, we toured around Niagara on the Lake (or as the locals call it, “Niagara on the Take” – very touristy.) went over to Andrea’s house for a visit, had dinner at The Mandarin*WARNING! LOUD MUSIC ON THE SITE* where Mike took the best photo of Grandma Wilson EVER (check it out right here. Awesome.) and then we went to Melissa’s house, came back to the hotel and headed back out to the movie theatre to see Piranha 3D (Big thumbs up. I thought I was too smart for 3D. Nope. So much for contempt prior to investigation.) We all kept our 3D glasses and will be using them for a photo shoot tomorrow.
Now it’s off to bed to rest up for another busy day. Tomorrow is Blue Jays day! I think I’ll wear my 3D glasses to the game for added excitement.
Our buddy, Paul, picked us up at our hotel in Whitby today and took us on an whirlwind tour through downtown Old Toronto (I think that’s what it’s called). Why the quick tour? We had to get through Toronto to get to his home in Brampton, where we met his fiancée, her son and their new dog. Paul did a bang up job of the tour and took us to the spots we absolutely needed to see. As we drove into town, we saw the CN Tower (we’ll be visiting it up close on Monday.)
Next up, we drove down Gerard Street very close to the street cars to get a great photoshoot I’ll save for tomorrow. But in the meantime, we were this close to the street cars:
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We hung out with this little munchkin, Allison, after she met us at the airport this afternoon with her mom (my cousin) and my Uncle Bill.
We had a ruckus evening with laughs and fun and lots of meatballs. There are about 20 of us in total here for this reunion and the fun starts tomorrow afternoon with a BBQ and birthday cake for Grandma. On Sunday, we’re going to Niagara Falls, so that should be a great time.
Even though Grandma is a pretty quiet person, it’s pretty clear she’s having a great time, too. And we’ve only just begun!
I took this photo yesterday in Yaletown. As I was wandering around looking at all the glass buildings, thought, “Whoa. Is Yaletown ever sterile.” A few blocks later I found a large mass of lavender bushes absolutely buzzing with bees. So much for that thought.
I’m just taking a little break from all the chores before we head out tomorrow. Malcolm (for reasons unknown – maybe because he’s nice?) offered to take us to the airport at 4:30 am. WHA? I don’t get it either, but who are we to turn down a free ride to the airport before the crack of dawn? Incredible. We have house-sitter extraordinaire, Lorne Snear, taking care of the kitty boys while we go gallivanting with the Blue Jays. While the bathrooms are mostly clean, he’ll have to ignore a rather unpleasant yard full of dandelions. But hopefully he’ll just watch the TV and not even look out in the front yard. Here’s hoping.
Next time I check in, I’ll be in Oshawa or Whitby – home of the giant Super Walmarts. I’d better get packing. I can’t forget any Christmas cakes or camera lenses. Or my toothbrush. Wait. What am I saying? We can always go to Super Walmart for toothbrushes!
